Sony updates three prosumer camcorders

LAS VEGAS--Sony rolled out three new prosumer/mainstream flash-based AVCHD camcorders here at the show. The top-of-the-line Handycam HDR-CX700V ($1,300) and midrange CX560V ($1,100) incorporate new 16:9 aspect Exmor R CMOS sensors--albeit at different resolutions--and increase the top recording bitrate to 24 megabits per second. As the "V" indicates, they also offer geotagging. Other shared features include a 3-inch LCD touch screen and a 10X zoom lens, plus 5.1-surround audio using the new enhanced mic and speaker system. And in a welcome design update, they have built-in USB cables in addition to mic and headphone jacks.

The CX700V has 96GB memory and an EVF and manual control dial, while the CX560V has 64GB memory. A third model, the $800 CX360V, is similar to the CX560V, albeit with a lower-resolution (230,000 dot) touch screen, lower resolution sensor, 32GB memory, and a 12X zoom lens.